Justice David Majanja was a respected Kenyan judge and legal leader known for his deep commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law. He served as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya and was a long-serving Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), where he helped guide judicial reform and strengthen Kenya’s legal institutions. Majanja was involved in many important legal decisions, including cases that shaped constitutional interpretation and protected citizens’ rights. His career combined legal practice, public interest work, and judicial leadership, earning him admiration from colleagues, lawyers, and the wider community. Although his life and service were cut short when he died in July 2024, his legacy continues through the judgments he made and the respect he gained in Kenya’s legal history.
Justice David Majanja Early Life and Family Background
Justice David Amilcar Shikomera Majanja was born on 7 April 1973 in Kisumu, Kenya. He grew up in a family that valued hard work, service, and education. His father was Gerishom Majanja and his mother was Bilha Majanja, and the family later moved to Nairobi, where he began his early schooling.
Majanja belonged to a Luhya family from Western Kenya, a cultural group known for strong community ties and respect for elders. His close family relationships were important to him throughout his life. He was known as a loving son and a caring brother, always ready to help his siblings and relatives. In tributes after his death, relatives spoke warmly of his kindness, laughter, and support during both good and difficult times.
As he grew up, Majanja showed qualities of responsibility and leadership, both as the eldest son and as a young man with big dreams and a strong sense of purpose. After becoming successful in his career, he helped support his aging parents, especially his father, who later faced health challenges. In fact, after Majanja’s death, his elderly parents struggled because the funds meant for their care were tied up in legal processes.
Justice Majanja did not marry and did not have children. He stayed focused on his work, his family responsibilities, and his service in the judiciary. After his sudden death in 2024, some of his siblings became involved in a dispute over his estate, showing that he came from a large extended family with brothers and sisters who survived him.
Justice David Majanja Education
Justice David Majanja had a strong and well-rounded education that prepared him for a successful career in law and justice. He began his formal education after his family moved to Nairobi, where he attended primary school before progressing to secondary school. Though the specific primary and secondary schools are not widely shared in public profiles, later parts of his education clearly show the foundation that helped him grow into a respected jurist.
For his higher education, Majanja studied law at the University of Nairobi, one of Kenya’s leading universities. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1996, which gave him the legal knowledge and qualification needed to become a lawyer. After graduating, he continued his professional training at the Kenya School of Law, where he completed his Post-Graduate Diploma in Law. This diploma is required for all lawyers in Kenya who wish to be admitted to the bar. He was admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 1998, allowing him to practice law in courts across the country.
Not satisfied with just basic legal training, Majanja went on to pursue post-graduate studies abroad. He earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where he specialized in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa. This advanced degree gave him expertise in international legal matters and deepened his understanding of how law affects business, trade, and investment across African countries.
Overall, Justice Majanja’s education prepared him for work in many areas of law, including constitutional law, commercial law, public interest law, and legal administration. His strong academic background helped him become a skilled lawyer and later a respected judge who guided many important legal decisions in Kenya.
Justice David Majanja Legal Career Before Becoming a Judge
Before Justice David Majanja became a judge, he worked as a practising lawyer and built a strong reputation in the legal field. After completing his law studies and being admitted to the bar, he joined the profession as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. In this role, he focused mainly on civil and commercial law, helping clients with legal disputes involving contracts, businesses, property and other important matters.
During his early legal career, Majanja worked in well-known law firms. He practiced with Mohammed & Muigai Advocates and Onyango & Ohaga Advocates, where he gained valuable experience handling different types of legal cases and serving a wide range of clients. These roles helped him sharpen his skills as a lawyer and prepared him for greater responsibilities later in life.
Justice Majanja was also involved in public interest litigation, which means he took part in legal work that sought to protect the rights of ordinary citizens and support issues of public importance. This included handling cases that affected social and constitutional rights, not just private legal disputes. His work in public interest cases showed his deep interest in fairness, justice and the rule of law.
One notable part of his legal career before becoming a judge was his service as assisting counsel to the Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence, popularly known as the Waki Commission, after the 2007–2008 crisis in Kenya. In this role, he helped gather evidence, review legal issues, and support the work of the commission that investigated the violence that followed the 2007 elections. This experience gave him exposure to high-level legal and national matters and shaped his understanding of justice in a public context.
Overall, his legal work before joining the bench laid a strong foundation for his later career as a judge. It prepared him to handle complex legal issues and strengthened his reputation as a lawyer committed to fairness, professionalism and public service.
Justice David Majanja Career as a High Court Judge
Justice David Majanja became a Judge of the High Court of Kenya in 2011. This appointment came after many years of legal experience and study, and it allowed him to serve his country in one of the highest legal roles. He was part of the early group of judges appointed under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which had introduced important changes to the country’s legal system.
During his time on the bench, Majanja served in many different court locations across Kenya. He worked at the Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Kisii High Courts, which meant he handled cases from various communities in Western Kenya. Later, he was assigned to Nairobi, where he served in the Commercial and Tax Divisions of the High Court and, at the time of his death, was stationed at the Milimani High Court Civil Division. These placements gave him wide experience in many areas of the law.
Justice Majanja became known for important and thoughtful legal decisions. After the 2010 Constitution came into effect, he delivered rulings that helped shape how the new law was understood and applied in Kenya. Many lawyers and colleagues described his judgments as clear, detailed, and rooted in fairness.
Some of the areas in which he made a strong contribution included constitutional law, commercial law, and tax law. For example, he was part of a High Court bench that examined the Housing Levy under the Finance Act 2023 and declared the levy unconstitutional and discriminatory. This decision drew attention from the public and legal community because it affected how taxes would be applied to workers and employers.
Justice David Majanja also made significant rulings in cases involving family law and human rights. In 2018, for instance, he ruled that couples did not need to complete customary marriage rites for their union to be legally recognised, as long as there was proof they lived together as a couple. This type of decision showed his interest in fairness and access to justice for ordinary people.
Throughout his time on the High Court bench, colleagues and lawyers regarded him as a hardworking, insightful, and principled judge. Many tribute messages after his death highlighted his deep understanding of the law, his calm personality, and his commitment to justice. He was described as someone who helped shape Kenya’s legal system in an important period of reform.
Justice David Majanja Service in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
Justice David Majanja was not only a High Court judge but also a key leader in Kenya’s judicial governance through his work with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
He was first elected to the JSC in May 2019, where he represented judges of the High Court. Being elected showed the trust his fellow judges placed in him to help guide the future of the judiciary.
Later, he was re-elected in May 2024 for another term, again chosen by members of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) to continue representing them on the Commission.
While serving on the Commission, Justice Majanja took on several important responsibilities. He was a Commissioner of the JSC, meaning he helped make big decisions about how the judicial system should function and how judges and magistrates are appointed and trained.
He also served as Chair of the Administration of Justice Committee, where he worked on improving how justice is delivered in courts. In addition, he was a member of the Judiciary Rules Committee, which helps set the rules that guide court procedures and judicial conduct.
Through these roles, Justice Majanja helped shape policies, support judicial reforms, and strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the Kenyan judiciary. His work in the JSC showed that he was not just a judge who decided cases, but also a leader committed to building a stronger legal system for all Kenyans.
Justice David Majanja Personal Life and Family
Justice David Majanja was a dedicated judge who focused strongly on his work and his family’s well-being. He never married and did not have children. This meant much of his attention and care went to his parents and siblings throughout his adult life.
His parents lived in Western Kenya, and as they grew older and faced health problems, Majanja supported them financially. Reports after his death showed that his elderly father, Gerishom Majanja, and his mother depended on him for daily care and medical treatment. With Majanja gone and his estate still frozen in legal processes, his parents have struggled to pay for treatment and basic needs.
Justice Majanja came from a large extended family. After his death in 2024, his siblings became involved in a legal dispute over his estate. When a will surfaced showing that he had left most of his money and assets including over KSh 22 million to his youngest brother, some of his other siblings challenged it in court. They argued that paying out everything to one brother would unfairly exclude others from the inheritance. Because of this, the funds are being held by the courts until the succession process is fully resolved.
This family conflict has placed additional emotional and financial stress on Majanja’s parents and siblings. They continue to wait for the courts to decide how the estate will be shared. The situation shows how even a respected public figure’s passing can lead to deep family disagreements when it comes to money and responsibilities.
Justice David Majanja Net Worth
Justice David Majanja lived a comfortable and respected life as a senior judge in Kenya, but there are no official published figures of his exact net worth. Based on the available information and public context around his estate, it’s possible to give a reasonable estimate that reflects both his career and what is currently known about his financial legacy.
Justice David Majanja served for many years as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya, a position that comes with a stable and well-paid government salary, pension benefits, and other official allowances. He also served as a Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), where senior judges often earn additional benefits tied to leadership roles in the judiciary.
Based on his salary level as a long-serving High Court judge and his professional standing, his estimated lifetime net worth at around USD 1 million, which is roughly KSh 140 million – 150 million depending on currency rates. This is an informal estimate and not an official declaration, but it reflects how senior judicial incomes and savings typically accumulate over time in Kenya.
At the time of his death, parts of his estate valued at about KSh 22 million (in bank accounts, shares, and benefits) were reported as being held up in legal processes because of a family dispute over succession. Those funds were intended to support his ageing parents and other beneficiaries but are still tied up in court proceedings.
Justice David Majanja Death
Justice David Majanja passed away on 10 July 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. He died at The Nairobi Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment and was scheduled for surgery after falling ill earlier that week. Judges and leaders in Kenya called his death sudden and untimely because he was still active in service and had just been re-elected to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) shortly before his passing.
The Chief Justice of Kenya, Martha Koome, publicly announced his death on behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission. In her message, she expressed deep sorrow and described him as a “towering figure in the development of Kenya’s transformative post-2010 jurisprudence” and a “crucial pillar in the institution-building of the JSC and the Judiciary.”
After his passing, many colleagues, lawyers and friends shared tributes, remembering him for his dedication to justice, his strong work ethic, and his wise and fair leadership on the bench.
Memorial services and funeral arrangements were held in Nairobi and in his family’s home area in Kakamega County, celebrating his life, influence, and service to Kenya’s legal system.
Justice David Majanja Legacy
Justice David Majanja is remembered as one of the most respected judges of his time in Kenya. He served during an important period after the 2010 Constitution was adopted, and many of his decisions helped shape how the new laws were understood and applied. Through his work in constitutional, commercial, and tax cases, he left a strong mark on Kenya’s legal system. Lawyers, judges, and scholars often describe him as a brilliant thinker with a clear writing style and a deep respect for justice.
His service in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) also added to his legacy. As a Commissioner and later as the Chair of several committees, he helped strengthen the administration of justice, improve the way courts operate, and support reforms in the judiciary. His work went beyond writing judgments in court — he helped build systems and policies that will continue to benefit judges, magistrates, and the public for years to come.
Justice Majanja was also remembered for defending human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. Many of his rulings helped protect ordinary citizens, ensure fairness in government decisions, and keep public institutions accountable. This earned him respect not only within legal circles but also among many Kenyans who followed his work.
Finally, the period after his death created another kind of legacy. The public dispute over his estate and the financial struggles faced by his elderly parents became a lesson for many families about the importance of proper succession planning, wills, and timely legal processes. It showed that even respected public figures can leave behind complicated issues if estate matters are not handled carefully.
Overall, Justice Majanja’s legacy can be seen in his judgments, his leadership in the judiciary, his commitment to fairness, and the lasting conversation his passing created about family, inheritance, and responsibility. He is remembered as a principled judge, a dedicated public servant, and a major contributor to Kenya’s modern legal history.
Conclusion
Justice David Majanja lived a life of service, discipline, and dedication to the law. From his early years as a young lawyer to his long service as a High Court judge and a leader in the Judicial Service Commission, he worked to strengthen Kenya’s legal system and protect fairness for all. He was known for his sharp mind, calm personality, and principled judgments that shaped important areas of the law. Although his life ended suddenly in 2024, his work continues to influence the courts, the judiciary, and the legal community. Justice Majanja is remembered as a respected jurist, a loyal son, and a major contributor to Kenya’s modern legal history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Justice David Majanja
1. Who was Justice David Majanja?
He was a Kenyan High Court Judge and a Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). He was known for his strong legal work and for helping shape Kenya’s modern legal system.
2. When and where was Justice David Majanja born?
He was born on 7 April 1973 in Kisumu, Kenya.
3. What tribe or ethnic group did Justice David Majanja belong to?
He belonged to the Luhya community from Western Kenya.
4. Did Justice Majanja have a family?
Yes, he had parents and siblings. He did not marry and had no children, but he supported his family, especially his elderly parents.
5. Where did Justice David Majanja go to school?
He studied law at the University of Nairobi, trained at the Kenya School of Law, and later earned a Master of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
6. What did Justice David Majanja do before becoming a judge?
He worked as a lawyer in private practice, focusing on civil and commercial cases and public interest matters. He also served as assisting counsel to the Waki Commission after the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
7. When did Justice David Majanja become a High Court Judge?
He became a High Court Judge in 2011.
8. What major roles did Justice David Majanja hold?
He served as:
- Judge of the High Court of Kenya
- Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
- Chair of the Administration of Justice Committee
- Member of the Judiciary Rules Committee
9. What areas of law was he known for?
He contributed strongly in constitutional law, commercial law, tax law, family law, and human rights.
10. When did Justice Majanja die?
He died on 10 July 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.
11. How old was Justice David Majanja when he died?
He was 51 years old.
12. How did Justice David Majanja die?
He died at The Nairobi Hospital after falling ill and preparing for surgery. His death was described as sudden and untimely.
13. Was there a dispute over his inheritance?
Yes. After his death, some siblings went to court over his KSh 22 million estate, causing delays in releasing funds meant for his parents and family.
14. What was Justice David Majanja’s estimated net worth?
His estimated net worth was around USD $1 million (about KSh 140–150 million) based on his career and earnings.
15. How is Justice David Majanja remembered?
He is remembered as a brilliant legal mind, a fair judge, a reform leader, and a major contributor to Kenya’s legal system after the 2010 Constitution.
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